The bonobo (/ b ə ˈ n oʊ b oʊ, ˈ b ɒ n ə b oʊ /; Pan paniscus), also historically called the pygmy chimpanzee (less often the dwarf chimpanzee or gracile chimpanzee), is an endangered great ape and one of the two species making up the genus Pan (the other being the common chimpanzee, Pan troglodytes). [4]

Apr 5, 2025 · bonobo, (Pan paniscus), ape that was regarded as a subspecies of the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) until 1933, when it was first classified separately. The bonobo is found only in lowland rainforests along the south bank of the Congo River …

What is a bonobo? The bonobo is a species of great ape that shares nearly 99 percent of our DNA, just like chimpanzees. Yet these primates, native only to Democratic Republic of the Congo, are...

The bonobo are a great ape in the same genus as chimps, previously thought of as a subspecies, but now considered their own distinct species. They have historically been referred to as the pygmy chimpanzee, or dwarf chimpanzee – despite their body size being similar to chimps.

Bonobos and chimpanzees look similar and both share 98.7% of their DNA with humans—making these two ape species our closest living relatives. Bonobos are usually a bit smaller, leaner, and darker than chimpanzees.

May 27, 2024 · Unlike other ape species, Bonobos are mainly found in one area of central Africa. They call the jungle forests between the Congo and Kasai rivers home. As a result, they are native to the region known as the Democratic Republic of Congo. Diet. The bonobo has a diet that is primarily made of fruit and vegetation. ©GUDKOV ANDREY/Shutterstock.com

The bonobo (Pan paniscus) is an endangered species of great ape found in a 500,000 km 2 (190,000 sq mi) area of the Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa. Bonobos are one of the closest living relatives to humans, sharing DNA of more than 98%.

5 days ago · Bonobos have longer legs, shorter arms, and a narrower trunk. They are also generally smaller, with a rounder skull and flatter face. Other distinguishing features are a black face with red lips, and a prominent tail tuft which is retained by adults – chimpanzees only have the tuft in the juvenile stage.

Bonobos are great apes that live in the lowland rainforest in the DRC. Find out more about their diet, behavior, and conservation.

This species is one of several that people refer to as “great apes.” Other members of the great ape, or Hominidae family include orangutans, gorillas, chimpanzees, and even humans. Read on to learn about the Bonobo.